The Google Maps and Search apps now look a little cleaner, thanks to a tweak that turns the status bar translucent.

You’ll see the change when using Google Maps app, and when launching the Google app or tapping the standalone search bar. The translucent menu was already in place, however, if you were using the Google Now Launcher.

The status bar is now translucent (left) instead of black (right) in the latest version of Google Maps.

Android Police spotted another gem hiding in Google Maps. There’s a new notification card that appears at the bottom of the screen when you start navigating. It details the fastest route and lets you know of any delays that await. The design also changes the look of some of the alternative route bubbles.

You can wait for the updates from the Play Store or get the new versions for Google Maps and Search from APK Mirror.

Why this matters: Beyond the visual changes, the navigation card is a good addition to making core travel information easier to spot. It keeps with Google’s trend of putting key details in cards, a key principles of its Material Design.

To comment on this article and other Greenbot content, visit our Facebook page or our Twitter feed.